The Press Box.

Rams' Phillips Arrested On Drunken Driving Charge

June 16, 1996

ST. LOUIS — Lawrence Phillips could go to jail instead of his first NFL training camp following his arrest for drunken driving.

Phillips, the St. Louis Rams' top draft pick, who's on probation for assaulting a former girlfriend, was arrested Thursday by the California Highway Patrol. Police said he was driving 80 m.p.h. on a flat tire and straddling freeway lanes shortly after 2 a.m.

According to Gary Lacey, the Nebraska attorney who prosecuted Phillips, the running back could go to jail if he is convicted of drunken driving and a Nebraska judge decides to impose such a penalty for violating his probation.

"If Phillips is convicted, chances are good that we will file for revocation of his probation," Lacey said.

The Rams said they're not giving up on Phillips, but said they would include language in his contract to protect themselves from further problems.